Data Usage FAQs

General Information

What types of data use counts against my data allowance?

Any data that's used while your device is connected to the Verizon Wireless network (with the exception of FreeBee sponsored data) will use your monthly data allowance. Refer to the notification bar on your device to determine if you're currently connected to the Verizon Wireless network. If you see 4G (LTE), 3G or 1X, this means you're connected to our network.

This includes when you access the internet, watch a video, check your email, play games, use apps (e.g., Facebook®, Twitter®, Maps etc.) and more. Background tasks, such as syncing or location services, may also use data. Data usage is billed based on the amount of data sent and received (megabytes or gigabytes), and it can be charged per-use or as part of a data package.

Connect to Wi-Fi to use less data

When you're connected to Wi-Fi you won't be charged for any data you use because you aren't using the Verizon Wireless network. We recommend you connect to Wi-Fi networks you know and trust whenever they're available. This is a great way to manage how much data you use and avoid extra charges.

Does using Bluetooth count as data usage?

No, using Bluetooth doesn't count as data usage. However, if you're using an app that accesses data while using Bluetooth, you'll use data through the app. For example, if you're listening to music on the Pandora app with wireless Bluetooth speakers, you'll be using data to access the app.

Using your device as a Mobile Hotspot and allowing other devices to access the internet from it

What is indirect or background data usage?

Indirect data usage occurs in the background, during tasks performed automatically by your device. Some examples of indirect data usage are:

Automatic backups of pictures or videos

Software updates

App content refreshes

Syncing and location services

Note: You can adjust these functions in your device Settings.

How much data do I need each month?

Many things you do on a mobile device require data, like accessing the internet, streaming music and using GPS. While each task can vary in the amount of data it uses (due to file size), here's a general idea of how much data an average person with certain usage habits may use each month:

Usage Habits

Average Monthly Data Usage

You mostly talk and text, but use social media occasionally

Less than 2 GB

You stream music, upload photos on social media and browse the internet

What's the difference between a data alert and a Verizon Smart Family™ data alert?

A key feature of Verizon Smart Family is the ability to determine the amount of data each device uses within a bill cycle.

Smart Family alerts reflect data usage based on the amount of data you assign to a specific device. For example, you could limit a device to 1 GB and receive Smart Family alerts based on that 1 GB amount. Account Owners can set and adjust Smart Family data usage allowances in My Verizon or the Verizon Smart Family app.

Note: You can also tap or click Explore unlimited to switch to an unlimited data plan.

Select the new data allowance you want, and tap or click Continue.

Note: If you have multiple devices on your account, you may be prompted to select an option for each device. If you want to mix and match unlimited plans, you'll need to select the unlimited option you want for each line on your account, even if you want to keep the same plan you currently have on one line. This is only required the first time you set up your mix and match account.

If prompted, select the date you want the plan change to start, and tap or click Continue.

Review your plan changes, and tap or click Confirm.

You've successfully changed your data allowance.

*4G LTE only. During times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic (only after 22 GB/line per month on Beyond Unlimited, or 75 GB/line per month on Above Unlimited). Not available for machine-to-machine services. Mobile hotspot/tethering reduced to speeds up to 600 Kbps (only after 15 GB/month on Beyond Unlimited, or 20 GB/month on Above Unlimited); domestic data roaming at 2G speeds; int'l data reduced to 2G speeds after 0.5 GB/day (on Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited and Above Unlimited). If more than 50% of your talk, text or data usage in a 60-day period is in Canada or Mexico, use of those services in those countries may be removed or limited. Video streaming is HD (SD on phones on Go Unlimited plan). Auto Pay (checks, home banking, or debit cards only) & paper-free billing req'd.

In what order are different types of data used on my account?

The order depends on which plan you have.

If you have the new Verizon Plan - The different types of data on your account will be used in the following order:

Bonus Data – If you qualify for any type of Bonus Data, it'll be used first each month.

Monthly data allowance – The monthly data allowance that’s included in your plan will be used next.

Carryover Data – If you have data that carried over from the previous month, it'll be used after your entire monthly data allowance is gone.

Data Boost – If you purchase a Data Boost, it'll be used after your Carryover Data is gone.

Data Gifts – Any data gifts you redeem during the month will be used after all other data types are gone.

Prepaid plans – With the exception of Data Boosts, all data on your account is combined into a single data pool each month (e.g., your monthly allowance, Carryover Data, etc.). Data Boosts that you purchase are kept separate and are only used after all other data is gone.

All other plans – Different data types on your account will be used in the following order:

Bonus Data – If you qualify for any type of Bonus Data, it'll be used first each month.

Data Gifts – Any data gifts you redeem during the month will be used before your monthly data allowance.

Monthly data allowance – The monthly data allowance that’s included in your plan will be used last.

Where can I learn more about Carryover Data, Safety Mode and Data Boosts?